South America is one of those places that just fills you with wonder. It has everything — from wild jungles and tall mountains to vibrant cities and ancient ruins. If you are planning a trip here in 2025, you are in for a real treat. There are so many things to do, but some experiences stand out more than others. I’ve picked the 9 best things to do in South America right now. These will give you a taste of the culture, nature, and adventure that this continent is famous for.
Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of South America. It is an ancient Inca city hidden high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. People have been coming here for decades to see this mystical place. The stone buildings and terraces are incredibly well preserved. Hiking the Inca Trail is the best way to reach Machu Picchu. It takes about four days and the views along the way are amazing. If you’re not into hiking, you can take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then a short bus ride to the site. Visiting early in the morning is a good idea to avoid crowds and see the sunrise over the ruins. Machu Picchu offers a peek into history that feels magical and mysterious.
Explore the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world. It covers a huge part of Brazil and spills into countries like Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. This place is home to more kinds of animals and plants than anywhere else on Earth. You can take guided tours from cities like Manaus or Iquitos to explore the jungle. Some tours last just a day, while others can be a week or more. Expect to see colorful birds, monkeys, giant trees, and if you’re lucky, jaguars or pink river dolphins. Nights in the forest are full of strange sounds that remind you how alive this place is. The Amazon is a true adventure for nature lovers.
Experience Rio de Janeiro’s Beaches and Festivals
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is famous worldwide for its beautiful beaches and lively culture. Copacabana and Ipanema are two of the most popular beaches, where you can relax, swim, or play beach volleyball. The city’s vibe is always fun and colorful. If you visit during Carnival, you will see the biggest and wildest street parties. The samba dancers, music, and costumes are unforgettable. Even outside Carnival, Rio’s nightlife and food scene are amazing. Don’t miss the view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain or the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Both spots offer breathtaking views over the city and ocean.
Hike Torres del Paine National Park
In southern Chile, Torres del Paine is a must for anyone who loves hiking and nature. The park has huge mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and wide open spaces. It is part of the Patagonia region, known for its raw beauty and cool weather. There are different trails you can try, from short day hikes to longer multi-day treks. The “W” trek is very popular and takes about 4-5 days. You get to see granite towers, waterfalls, and maybe even some guanacos (a kind of wild llama). The weather can change fast, so be ready for sun, wind, and rain all in one day. This park is like stepping into another world.
See the Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. It sits on the border of Argentina and Brazil, surrounded by a lush national park. The falls are made up of hundreds of individual cascades stretching for almost two miles. You can walk on paths and bridges that bring you very close to the roaring water. One of the best views is from Devil’s Throat, where water crashes down with huge power. Besides the falls, the park has many animals like toucans, butterflies, and coatis. Visiting Iguazu is a must for anyone who loves nature’s power and beauty.
Discover the Uyuni Salt Flats
The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are like nowhere else on Earth. This giant white expanse looks like a desert made of salt. It covers more than 4,000 square miles and is the largest salt flat in the world. During the dry season, it is a vast white plain. But after rain, the flats become a giant mirror reflecting the sky. This makes for some stunning photos and surreal experiences. Many tours take you around the flats in 4×4 vehicles, stopping at colorful lagoons, geysers, and even a cactus-covered island. The sunsets and sunrises here are simply magical.
Walk the Historic Streets of Cartagena
Cartagena in Colombia is a city full of history and charm. Its old town is surrounded by ancient walls and filled with colorful colonial buildings. Walking through the cobbled streets, you will find lively plazas, churches, and small shops selling local crafts. The city has a warm Caribbean vibe with great food, music, and friendly people. At night, the plazas come alive with salsa music and dancing. Cartagena also offers beautiful beaches nearby and boat trips to islands like Rosario. It’s a perfect place to soak up culture and relax.
Explore the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. Despite the harsh conditions, it offers some of the most stunning landscapes you will ever see. From salt flats and geysers to colorful lagoons and rocky canyons, the desert feels like another planet. Visit the town of San Pedro de Atacama, which is the gateway to many tours. You can explore the Valley of the Moon, watch flamingos at the lagoons, or stargaze at night. The clear desert skies make it one of the best places for astronomy. It’s a peaceful, unique place that stays in your memory.
Sail Through the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands belong to Ecuador and are famous for their wildlife. This is where Charles Darwin made observations that helped him develop his theory of evolution. The islands have animals you won’t see anywhere else, like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Most people visit by boat, taking cruises that stop at different islands for hiking and snorkeling. The water is clear and full of sea life. Swimming with sea lions or watching the unique animals in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Galápagos are a treasure for nature lovers and wildlife watchers.
South America is huge and full of amazing places. These 9 activities give you a great mix of history, nature, adventure, and culture. Whether you want to hike mountains, relax on beaches, or explore ancient cities, this continent has it all. So get your backpack ready and start planning your South American adventure in 2025. You won’t regret it.
